9 Films You’ll Appreciate More after Living in London

Alyssa

4 years ago

Vintage theatre in Notting Hill

If there’s one British word I have yet to start saying, it’s ‘cinema’. Cinema, to me, requires erudite discussions of motifs, archetypes and referring to films by their directors rather than the most famous actor in it. It’s the difference between “Let’s go see that new Cameron Diaz movie!” and “What did you think of the latest Jim Jarmusch film?”. I last saw the Grand Budapest Hotel and everyone was all “Seen one Wes Anderson film, seen ’em all!” I was like, isn’t that the guy who directed all the Scream movies?

I like going to the movies to escape. I enjoy crappy movies with simple and predictable plots that I don’t have to engage many neurons to follow. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate spectacular cinematography and top-notch acting just as much as the next person, but it’s not my primary motivation for going to the movies.

In any case, I’ve been thinking about my time in London and living here has changed my perception of the city. Just as much I love watching movies and TV shows that are filmed in Toronto, I have come to enjoy picking out landmarks and locations in films set in London. It’s the ultimate escapism – feeling like your life is a movie.

Notting Hill (1999)

The Plot: Julia Roberts plays herself, falls in love with the same character Hugh Grant plays in almost every movie he’s in. Romantic comedy ensues.

This is London: Notting Hill is in West London and it’s well-known for its annual Caribbean carnival. The book shop Hugh Grant works at is on Portobello Road – a location I visited on my trip to London last year.

V for Vendetta (2005)

The Plot: Dystopian future based on a comic book (okay, fine – graphic novel) where the government is run by fascists and the people have no freedom. According to some, the future is now.

This is London: Creepy Guy Fawkes masks. Scenes including the Parliament buildings and the Clock Tower. They also blow these up to a soundtrack of the 1812 Overture. Interesting.

Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

The Plot: Perpetually single lady Bridget Jones gets up to her quirky antics in what is a goofier Pride & Prejudice.

This is London: Americans faking English accents – I’ve only recently noticed how bad it is. Also, if you make a trip to Borough Market you can spot her flat and the pub where the Hugh Grant-Colin Firth throw-down happened.

Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

The Plot: Sikh girl wants to play football (soccer). Befriends white girl who plays football too. Parents think they’re lesbians. Hilarity and drama ensue. I shouldn’t be so hard on this one – I actually LOVE this movie and watch it often!

This is London: Cultural diversity in all its glory. Set in Hounslow, the suburbs near Heathrow airport.